Rogan explores whether 3I/ATLAS could be more than a natural object.
Avi Loeb, Harvard astrophysicist and longtime proponent of the possibility that certain celestial objects could be artificial, doubled down on his theory about 3I/ATLAS during a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience. Loeb described the interstellar visitor as an anomaly that challenges conventional explanations.
"Now, here comes an object from outside the solar system, and it shows anomalies. The scientists would say we should be as careful as possible at talking about anything other than a rock," he said, emphasizing that the irregularities merit serious attention.
Loeb noted specific features that defy typical comet behavior, from its trajectory to its shape. "So it's similarly shaped to something that you'd expect to be from an intelligent life force," he explained, framing the discussion around the possibility that the object could be engineered. He also hinted that some critical data collected when 3I/ATLAS passed within 30 million kilometers of Mars on Oct. 2, 2025, had never been released. "It's much more likely not to be related to extraterrestrial intelligence, but to terrestrial stupidity," Loeb added.
Joe Rogan, for his part, treated Loeb's claims with a mixture of curiosity and support. "Well, those people are fools. You can't listen to those people," he said in response to Loeb's mention of critics accusing him of fabricating 3I/ATLAS. Rogan acknowledged that initial skepticism of Loeb's theory was widespread but suggested the object's behavior demands attention. "You know, initially, a lot of people were dismissing your concerns, and they were saying that this object is nothing but a comet and it's very normal. But then, as it got closer... it seems like you're correct. This is a very unusual object," he remarked.
The two also explored the broader implications of detecting a potentially artificial object in the solar system. Rogan asked, "Have you seen any compelling information, any data that leads you to believe that we have been visited?" Loeb responded by pointing to the anomalies of both Oumuamua and 3I/ATLAS as the most compelling data worth attention. When Rogan asked what Loeb would do if given unlimited resources to study it, the astrophysicist outlined a multi-front strategy for observation, emphasizing the need for more data before drawing conclusions.
Loeb emphasized caution but maintained that the unusual characteristics justify treating the artificial-origin hypothesis seriously, even if proof remains elusive. He framed the potential discovery as transformative.
"However, here, if we ever encounter alien technology, everything will change. It will affect the financial markets, it will affect politics in a major way. So my point is simple: this is different than other scientific matters," he said. Rogan, while not claiming the object is alien technology, repeatedly underscored its strangeness: "This object, 3I/ATLAS, is weird."